BELLINGEN Shire residents and neighbouring regions will soon have a new way to save money, share resources, and reduce waste, with The Bowerhouse Library of Things opening to the public on Saturday 14 November 2026.
Launched by Bellingen Shire Council with support from MidWaste, the Bowerhouse Library of Things will give members of the local community access to useful tools, equipment and household items without needing to buy them new.
It is located at the Bellingen Shire Bowerhouse Community Reuse Centre, at Raleigh Waste Management Centre on Short Cut Road, Raleigh.
Council Acting General Manager, Todd Williams, said the Bowerhouse Library of Things provided a wonderful opportunity for the community to actively participate in reducing, reusing, repurposing, and recycling during Planet Ark’s National Recycling Week, which runs from 9-15 November.
“The Library of Things works much like a traditional library, but instead of borrowing books, members can borrow items they may only need occasionally, such as garden tools, camping gear, kitchen equipment, sewing machines, outdoor games, audio-visual equipment, musical instruments, and event supplies,” said Mr Williams.
“The Library of Things complements the existing Bowerhouse Community Reuse Shop at the site, offering another way for the community to access useful items, share resources and support a circular local economy.”
Bellingen Shire Council Group Leader of Sustainable Environment and Waste, Sam Tate, is impressed by the enthusiastic response of the community, who have offered donations and volunteer hours.
“The Library of Things makes it easier for our community to share resources, avoid unnecessary new purchases, and reduce the environmental impacts associated with producing and disposing of new items,” said Sam Tate.
“Community members are invited to help establish and grow the collection by donating suitable items in good, working condition. The project is also seeking volunteers to help welcome borrowers, manage loans and returns, organise and check donated items, and keep the collection in good condition.
“People with practical repair skills, equipment knowledge, administration experience or an enthusiasm for reuse are encouraged to get involved.
“We’re holding a Community Drop-Off Day on Sunday, 8 November from 9am-12pm at Maam Gaduying Park for people to drop off anything they would like to donate.
“Examples include tools, appliances, office equipment, camping gear, event supplies, lawn games, musical instruments, sewing equipment, AV equipment, cleaning equipment, and mobility/accessibility aids.
“If you can’t make it to the drop-off day, donations can also be delivered to The Raleigh Waste Management Centre during opening hours.”
Whether you have a useful item gathering dust at home, a few hours to spare, or simply want to borrow rather than buy, there are plenty of ways to be part of this community initiative.
To find out more about donating items or volunteering, email siobhan@thefullcirclecollective.com.au.
Visit Bellingen Shire Council website for more information.
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
